OTTAWA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons (6-0) stayed unbeaten with a commanding 28-7 victory over the Ottawa University Braves (2-4) at AdventHealth Field in Ottawa, Kan., highlighted by a typical dominant rushing attack that amassed 447 yards and four touchdowns.

The first quarter began with Ottawa taking an early lead following a 75-yard drive, culminating in a 43-yard touchdown pass from Luke Edwards to Rowdy Keith. Friends quickly responded, capitalizing on Nick Cordova's 48-yard rush to set up a 6-yard touchdown run by Michael Lopez to tie the score. The period concluded with the Falcons maintaining possession deep in the Braves' territory, keeping the score even at 7-7 as the quarter closed.

The second quarter began with a significant momentum shift as Friends capitalized on strong field position. K'Vonte Baker's 7-yard touchdown run, followed by Truitt Bosher's successful kick, gave the Falcons their first lead. Shortly after, Jairo Castillo's sack forced a turnover on downs.

Friends maintained control with a lengthy drive, highlighted by Cordova's consistent rushing to march deep into Ottawa territory. Although a scoring attempt was missed with a field goal wide left, Friends' defense held strong maintained a 14-7 lead into the break.

The third quarter began with recovering a fumble early in the period. E'derian Sykes then led the charge with gains of 13 and 11 yards to push the Falcons into Ottawa territory. However, a fumble halted the drive at the Braves' 16-yard line

The Falcons promptly regained possession on an interception by Joshua Flash at the Ottawa 38-yard line. Friends continued to drive forward, with Cordova and Baker making significant rushing gains. The Falcons moved to the 12-yard line, but another fumble resulted in a touchback.

With time winding down in the third quarter, Sykes broke through Ottawa's defense for a 67-yard touchdown run, to push the lead to 21-7 as the period came to a close.

Friends opened the fourth quarter with a methodical drive capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Lopez at 11:40 to gain an even bigger cushion at 28-7.  Taeylon Garland then recorded a sack on the Braves' ensuing possession and the Falcons effectively closed out the game from there. 

The Falcons will now have a bye before playing host on Homecoming Saturday (Oct. 18) to No. 24-ranked and fellow unbeaten McPherson College in what is shaping up to be a crucial KCAC Bissell Division-opening contest at Adair-Austin Stadium.  

Friends Top Performers

E'derian Sykes
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- 144 rushing yards on 12 attempts
- 1 rushing touchdown

Nick Cordova
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- 123 rushing yards (career-high on 15 attempts

Michael Lopez
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- 78 rushing yards (career-high) on eight attempts
- two rushing touchdowns

Joshua Flash
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- 7 tackles
- 1 interception

Truitt Bosher
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- 4-for-4 on PAT kicks

Ottawa Top Performers

Jayden Johnson  
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- 7 receptions  
- 88 receiving yards  

Rowdy Keith  
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- 1 reception for 43 yards  
- 1 touchdown  

Luke Edwards  
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- 25-for-46 passing for 255 yards  
- 1 touchdown  

Ethan Yinger  
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- 9 tackles  
- 1 fumble recovery  

Bryson Nolan  
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- 9 tackles